From thence they removed, and pitched on the other side of Arnon, which is in the wilderness that cometh out of the coasts of the Amorites: for Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites.

NUMBERS 21:13KJV
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Numbers 21:13 (KJV)

What does Numbers 21:13 mean?

Numbers 21:13 describes how the Israelites moved their camp and set up on the far side of the Arnon River, which marked the boundary between the territory of Moab and the Amorites. The verse explains the geographic setting as the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness, noting that the Arnon River served as a border.

The context is the Israelites’ journey toward the Promised Land, with Moses leading the people. This verse situates them as they travel through lands near hostile nations, specifically noting the wilderness area that comes out from the Amorite territory. The verse helps the reader understand the specific location and the political boundaries the Israelites were encountering at this stage of their journey.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 21:13

  • "removed" (נָסַע, nasaʿ) means to pull up or set out, often used for breaking camp. This highlights the Israelites’ continual movement and the temporary nature of their stops.
  • "pitched" (חָנָה, chanah) means to encamp or set up camp, showing a deliberate pause in their journey.
  • "side" (עֵבֶר, ʿeber) refers to the other side or region across, clarifying that the Israelites crossed to the far side of the Arnon.
  • "border" (גְּבוּל, gevul) means a boundary or border, emphasizing the importance of the Arnon River as a dividing line between Moab and the Amorites.

Why Numbers 21:13 matters

  • This verse clarifies the Israelites’ route and the political landscape, showing they were careful to respect boundaries between nations, which will matter in later conflicts.
  • It helps the reader see the Arnon River as a significant landmark in Israel’s journey, not just a physical obstacle but a marker of changing territories.
  • By naming the Amorites and Moabites, the verse sets up the coming interactions and tensions with these neighboring peoples, helping the reader track the unfolding story.

Where else these words appear

“Arnon” Hebrew H769 · used in 23 verses

  • Numbers 21:14 Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD, What he did in the Red sea, and in the brooks of Arnon,
  • Deuteronomy 3:8 And we took at that time out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites the land that was on this side Jordan, from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon;
  • Joshua 13:16 And their coast was from Aroer, that is on the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain by Medeba;

“side” Hebrew H5676 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 50:10 And they came to the threshingfloor of Atad, which is beyond Jordan, and there they mourned with a great and very sore lamentation: and he made a mourning for his father seven days.
  • Joshua 9:1 And it came to pass, when all the kings which were on this side Jordan, in the hills, and in the valleys, and in all the coasts of the great sea over against Lebanon, the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, heard thereof;
  • 2 Samuel 10:16 And Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians that were beyond the river: and they came to Helam; and Shobach the captain of the host of Hadarezer went before them.

“Amorites” Hebrew H567 · used in 86 verses

  • Genesis 10:16 And the Jebusite, and the Amorite, and the Girgasite,
  • Deuteronomy 1:44 And the Amorites, which dwelt in that mountain, came out against you, and chased you, as bees do, and destroyed you in Seir, even unto Hormah.
  • Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

“pitched” Hebrew H2583 · used in 135 verses

  • Genesis 26:17 And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.
  • Numbers 33:11 And they removed from the Red sea, and encamped in the wilderness of Sin.
  • Judges 6:33 Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the children of the east were gathered together, and went over, and pitched in the valley of Jezreel.